I went on a couple of fashion blind dates last week. They're blind dates because I went to two fashion events by myself and I knew nobody. So I felt sick to my stomach not knowing what to expect, who I'd meet and or what on earth to talk about! But I went because I love fashion and keeping up with trends. Worth the social anxiety? YES. What better way to immerse myself in this world besides actually meeting fashion designers, photographers, models, and event planners all in one place! I came prepared with my business cards and résumés too. One particular person I wanted to meet at this mixer was "life stylist" Benjamin Cottrell. He's a major fashion face in Chicago for producing unique fashion shows and events. This month Benjamin was featured in CS Interors Magazine and Apartment Therapy for his luxurious Chicago apartment. You can see Benjamin and I posing for a photo op up above! We're BFF's now. Besides meeting new friends, the mixer was hosted in a fabric warehouse so the fashion designers could also get some work done while they were there!

My second fashion date was at an actual fashion show a couple of days later. Models, runways, wine, cameras flickering, goody bags (I got a goody bag!), and beautiful clothes! The clothes! I don't have any good photos since the setting was dimly lit, but GOCA: The Elegance of Maturity fashion show was produced by Benjamin Cottrell Designs and the collection was designed by design-duo Gordana Gogiloo Rasic and Omar Villalobos. I'm hooked and ready for more blind dates. Maybe after a few more of these, I'll get to know more people in the scene and not get hives before I walk into the event by myself. Eek!


Credits: Photo of Benjamin and me by Mark Lattimore.

 

My sketchbook is full of drawings and paintings that I know will eventually make it into patterns. I usually sketch with Micron pens or india ink brush pens like the doodles above. Been doodlin' something good for a pattern I'm working on today.

I co-hosted my friend's bachelorette party this month and we asked the girls to dress in sparkly or sequin-y dresses. It was a sparkle party! The girls wore black, silver, or gray sparkle. The bachelorette stood out wearing a sexy sequin gold dress we picked out for her. We even kicked off our night with a bottle of vodka that came to our table lit up with a sparkler. I'd definitely do this theme again if I had to host another girls party!

I designed the invitation above that was sent out to all of the ladies...personal info, addresses, etc. have, of course, been changed for privacy. Please let me know if you'd like me to design your next event invitation!

Oh, and the "Throw some glitter. Make it Rain" quote used on the invite is from a song by Ke$ha. Gotta credit!

If you haven't heard of the wedding boutique BHLDN (pronounced "beholden") yet it's because it only has one flagship store in Houston and otherwise is only found online. Until yesterday. BHDLDN had it's second store grand opening in Chicago! Besides celebrating Valentine's day with my husband, this is where I wanted to be! It's located at 8 E. Walton Street and is two floors of vintage wedding eye candy.

What a creative way to display the wedding gowns on the mannequins! When you walk into this wedding gown room, it feels like these models are staring right back at you. Kinda creepy, yes, but it definitely leaves an impression! If you had a chance to go to NYC last year to see the Alexander McQueen exhibit at the Met (which was breathtaking by the way), this display of mannequins reminds you of the goosebumps you felt at that show.

 Below is the bridal suite where she gets to try on her dresses. (Sorry for the grainy photos.)

 And some creative decor I spotted...Those wings hanging from the ceiling were shipped to Chicago from a theater in London...

I didn't get good photos of their wedding craft room, but they also have a room dedicated for wedding inspiration, decoration, and paper products. And you'll have to see for yourself the shoe, jewelry, lingerie, and bow tie collections.

Even if you're not getting married, I'd definitely put this on your list of places to see in Chicago during your next visit! Check out their website here.

I've gotten a lot of questions about how my new freelance job at Crate & Barrel is going so I thought I'd share.

The photo above shows my name plate to my office at Crate (that's what they call it there). That's right—I am working on site! I have a phone (although no one calls me yet) and my own Crate email (although I don't get many messages yet) and eat lunch with my fellow coworkers downstairs in the cafeteria. It's a dream to not only love what I do, but to also love the company that I'm working for. The people there are all so talented and welcoming. I drive home with a smile on my face every day. Can't beat that!  

I am still in a state of blissful shock.
Before I moved to Chicago, I was in contact with the creative recruiter for Crate & Barrel. Her and I chatted for several months and once I arrived in Chicago she was gracious enough to meet me in person. The photo above is from the day I visited. Months have gone by since then and I was sure that our meeting was all that was going to come from it. Its a dream of mine to design for home furnishings and interiors.

WELL! Today I got an email that I had to read several times to believe...they want me to start on a freelance design project! Yes. I still can't believe it, I am so incredibly excited! I am in love with this company's design aesthetic and how they enhance their customers' every day lives with their products. I am honored they want me on their team, even if it's just for a little while! Yeah, freelance!

No, you have not died and gone to heaven. This place exists. It's real. It's beautiful. It's the Chicago Botanical Gardens.

I took a Botanical Illustration class taught by my amazing instructor, Heeyoung Kim, and we took a field trip to this magical place to learn more about the anatomy of plants and flowers. I literally gasped (gasped!) when we entered this place. The outdoor (and indoor) garden is open year round for visitors and is a great place to sit down and sketch for a few hours. This Kansas girl has missed out on so much!

 Here is my instructor and a couple of classmates taking a break to enjoy the view.

I start the more advanced version of this class on Monday and cannot WAIT! Below are some photos of the class and some samples of my drawings.